THE spotlight will be on Jersey’s farming industry next month as part of a two-day festival showcasing the Island’s agricultural heritage.
Regen Gathering is a free event that aims to “put farmers at the centre of the conversation”.
It will also highlight the importance of food resilience.
Local and international experts are to come together at Le Tâcheron farm, in Trinity, on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September.
They will discuss and present sustainable-farming and food-production practices which they hope can foster a more positive and collaborative outlook on the future of farming in Jersey.
A total of 30 entrepreneurs and speakers from the UK, France, the US and the Channel Islands will deliver presentations and workshops.
There will also be activities relating to a range of topics, including ancient-garden restoration, soil health, nutrition, conservation agriculture, ethical tourism, community ownership, farm diversification and agroforestry.
Friday’s itinerary is more industry-focused, with speakers sharing technical knowledge about conservation. In the evening, there will also be an opportunity to watch the Jersey première of Roots So Deep, a documentary about sustainable food production by director Peter Byck.
Saturday’s programme is aimed at anyone curious about growing, nutrition, hospitality or community ownership.
The itinerary includes a presentation from those involved in the revival of the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall.
The National Trust for Jersey’s chief executive, Alan La Maistre, said: “We love the heritage of Jersey and we want to see it continue to farm and to preserve its rural environment.
“For us, regeneration is all about revitalising the rural community.
“We want to be part of a vibrant community, working with both large and small farms for a diversified farming future.
“We hope this gathering sparks debate, fosters unity and inspires a positive outlook on creating a richer, more collaborative rural community, bringing in that Jersey spirit which has been the foundation of the Island’s farming for so many generations.”
Regen Gathering is open to farmers and growers, and anyone interested in learning about what they eat and how it’s grown, and in what ways they can improve local food resilience.
To view the itinerary and register for a free ticket, visit Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk/e/regen-gathering-2024-tickets-953369542967.
